My Science School

I study in Class X. I have problems with the setting of my targets. I am not sure what to pursue after Class XII. When my friends talk about what they want to pursue, they all sound confident. But when it comes to me, I can’t tell them quite definitely what my plans are. I’m interested in both English and Biology, and I sometimes think I must pursue my career in something related to English but my parents have asked me to try NEET. What should I do?

It is very natural to have confusions when you have mixed interests. It is good to fix your target and aim to achieve it. You are in Class X and you must first decide the subjects for Class XI. After that, start focusing on whether you want a career in English or to pursue NEET. Before you decide on your career, it is very important to understand your ability, skills, personality and interests. If your confusion is between choosing English or NEET, analyse the pros and cons of a career in both. Talk to your parents with an open mind. You can also go in for a career assessment test to help you in a scientific manner, by meeting a career counsellor with your parents. Now focus on your studies and do well in your Board examinations.

 

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I am a student of Class XI. I have four best friends. Recently, I fought with one of them, and now the other three are not talking to me. More than their silence what’s hurting me is the fact that they’re behaving as if I’ve committed a huge mistake. What should I do?

It is very sad when friends are not able to understand the cause of the fight. Friends form an important part of your life and when something goes wrong in those relationships, it will definitely disturb you. It is good that you want to take steps to resolve the issue. Before you get into it, reflect on what happened and how you feel about it. Ask yourself questions such as “What role did you play in this fight?”, “What do you want to your friend to do?” and “What could you have done differently?” Think rationally. Once you do this, you will be more prepared to resolve. And when you are ready.

• Reach out: Tell your friend you want to talk and work things out.


• Choose the right time: Pick a moment when both of you are ready to talk.


• Be open: Have an open discussion. Share your feelings. Use a mild tone and avoid harsh words.


• Apologise: Each of you can accept your mistakes and let go of what happened.


• Work together: See what you can do to mend the situation.


• Give it time: Be patient and give the situation and the other person time for change, and hope for the best.

 

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I am in Class VIII. My parents are very happy with my ability to grasp any topic. I also seem to be able to learn much more than my classmates do. They all say I am different. But when it comes to examinations, I get irritated at having to answer so many questions that I leave out many questions for which I know the answers. And later, I feel so depressed when I realise that after working so hard, I have achieved nothing. Help me.

It must be very upsetting for you when you know the answers but do not write them during the examinations. From what you’ve said, it’s possible that you’re gifted. Many gifted people have specific issues in academics. Consult a clinical psychologist to help you and assess your IQ. You have to learn to handle your emotions and cope with the situation. If you get the right tips and methods to study, based on your IQ, you will be able to flourish in your endeavours. You have to be smart to achieve your goals. Focus on your strengths and do your best.

 

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I am in Class X. I have a crush on a girl. My friends are aware of this and tease me. Due to this, I hardly talk to her personally, and I’m afraid I’ll leave her. But I don’t want to. Please tell me how I should handle this situation.

Having a crush on someone is very natural at this age. Such attractions could even be temporary. Your friends are probably teasing you for fun. Take it sportively if that girl too is okay with it. Talk to her to understand how she feels about this. Sometimes, when we overreact or are sensitive, the issue becomes larger. Stay cool. Be open with your friends about her. Try to reduce the interactions if you are not able to manage the teasing. Remember, you can always ignore the teasing. Reach out to trusted elders to talk about this. Also understand that you have other priorities in life. Don’t lose your focus on studies and regret it later.

 

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I am student of Class XI and many students in my class are doing internships. I am really interested as well but I already have too many things to do. Do you think it will be wise for me to enroll for an internship?

Internships have a lot of benefits. I understand that you are busy. It’s up to you to see if you could spend extra time on internship. Here are a few ways that internships help:

Networking: You get to meet many people in the field and that could help you in your future.

Gain hands-on experience: Internships help you gain experience in a safe and structured environment. It gives you an opportunity to explore career choices.

Career goals: Leaning is an important advantage of internship. It can help you decide if a particular career choice is a good match for your personality, lifestyle, passion and goals.

Gain self-confidence: The experience helps you be more confident in approaching your ambition in life.

Resume: It adds value to your resume. Employers usually prefer those who have had good work experience.

Skill development: Communication skills and time management skills can develop during internships.

If you can balance your studies and internship, you can take it up during your vacation. You cannot gain anything without some extra effort.

 

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I am in Class XII. I have always been a topper in my school. I want to study only in the top college in the country but I have not been able to devote much time towards the entrance preparations as my Board examinations are approaching. All my teachers and relatives have high expectations from me and I am worried I will disappoint them. My family is very supportive too, but I feel low very often and get panic attacks. How can I handle all these?

It’s good to know about your future ambitions and are doing well at school. Having a goal and working towards achieving it is very important. But your ambition should not become a concern. Expectations from a good performer are natural and when you take it in the right spirit, it will help you work better. Understand that it is difficult to control people around you but you can always control your thoughts and feelings. Worry will not help you in any way and it will only reduce your level of confidence. Prepare well for your Board examinations now, and after that, you can always prepare for your competitive examinations. Do not waste time thinking about your future. It’s good that you have supportive parents, talk to them about your concerns.

 

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Congratulations! It’s a great feeling to have a little sibling at home. Of course, initially you will have some feelings that disturb you on the arrival of a baby at home. Rather than feeling insecure about it, approach the situation more positively. Talk to your parents about your concerns. Discuss your feelings openly and learn to accept reality. Ensure you are given the same importance as before to help you overcome such feelings. Your sibling brother will be of great support as you grow up. Help your parents in taking care of the little one. Do not worry about what your friends tell about your sibling. He is your baby brother and you have to support him. I am sure your parents will be able to understand your feelings and support you. Enjoy your time with your sibling.

 

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I’m in Class XII. I have a lot of friends and love their company. But with Board examinations just months away, it sometimes becomes difficult to ask them to leave me alone. They keep coming home or want to keep talking to me over the phone. How can I gently make them understand my concerns?

It’s good to be with your friends but having fun with them should not hinder preparations for your examinations. Be assertive without being aggressive. With your phone, you have control over the time you speak. You can always tell your friends you have to study and will call them when you are free. Good friends will definitely understand your needs as well. Here are a few tips to be assertive.

Understand assertiveness: Stand up for yourself without hurting the feelings of others. Speak directly and be honest.

Communication: The manner and style of communication is very important in being assertive. Pay attention to your body language and the words you speak. Never expect people to read your mind. Speak up for yourself.

Understand and accept difference: Everyone has their own viewpoints. Be open in hearing out others’ opinions as well. Don’t get angry or upset when there are differences in opinions.

The power of “I”: Never say “you”. Rather make it a habit to say “I feel” or “I think”. Show genuineness in your expressions.

Stay calm: By being calm, you make it clear to the others what you want.

 

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